Stars at Work
A new book celebrates the golden age of American moviemaking, as seen in the pages of Life magazine
A Gentleman’s Touch
Thanks to his impeccable manners, Arthur Barry ingratiated himself with Jazz Age millionaires—then stole their jewels
Editor’s Picks
This week, don’t miss the story of how Victorians discovered dinosaur bones; a chronicle of conservative decay; and a collection of resignation letters from Brown University trustees
Mein Gang
In an interview, British historian Richard J. Evans discusses the personalities drawn to Nazism, today’s authoritarian leaders, and his new book, Hitler’s People
Bright Lights Hits the Big 4-0
Jay McInerney made his literary debut with Bright Lights, Big City. On its anniversary, the hedonistic Manhattan novel still defines his career, and a bygone era
Venice in Bloom
A new book of photographs by Marco Valmarana takes readers inside the Floating City’s secret gardens
The Godmother of the French New Wave
The first major biography of Agnès Varda traces her path from occasional movie watcher to pioneering director
Devil’s Bargain
A 2004 visit with the future Nobel laureate Alice Munro left me with a slightly uneasy feeling. Now I know why
The Artful Dodger
In his early 20s, Orlando Whitfield befriended Inigo Philbrick, an ambitious young art dealer. Over the next 15 years, his pal defrauded clients to the tune of $86 million
From Pomp to Purity
A new book collects images of 18th-century French furniture, interiors, architecture, art, and fashion, celebrating the period’s timeless influence
Editor’s Picks
This week, don’t miss a riveting exploration of refrigeration and 50 years of Seamus Heaney’s letters
Literary Blockbuster
In an interview, Keanu Reeves discusses teaming up with novelist China Miéville to write The Book of Elsewhere, a science-fiction epic
Let the Games Begin
A century ago, hundreds of American athletes descended upon Paris for the Summer Olympics. Booze, baguettes, brawls—and an epic Opening Ceremony—ensued
Murder, They Wrote
This month’s best mystery books, films, and podcasts
The Other Royal Family
A new, unauthorized biography of the Beckhams mocks their gaucheness and condemns their collusion with the media—but it can’t deny their power
Editor’s Picks
This week, don’t miss a biography of Ayn Rand, a murder mystery set in the Deep South, and a collection of Ernest Hemingway’s letters
